The Process, Workplace Gender Transition
Ground the Journey
Every professional transition journey begins with a vision. The vision becomes a framework, which in turn defines and drives the course of action leading to success. Transition Planning Services (TPS) works with you to amplify your individual vision and goals, maps waypoints along the path, and manages and charts the details. In simplest terms, we perform project management for your gender transition in the professional workplace. We learn about your commitment and timeline for transition, and guide you to recognize the threats and opportunities at work. We understand organizational culture and workplace dynamics in businesses large and small and are in tune with trends and developing policies across the DEI spectrum. There is no ‘typical’ business or company out there; each is as individual as you are. At companies where roadblocks or barriers exist, we can assist in mitigation, taking the lead in discussing your interests with (and educating) your colleagues and administrators to cultivate an understanding for gender transition acceptance at work. We, working closely with you, will devise well-choreographed communication plans with your colleagues, senior management, and business clients/stakeholders with the goal that all parties will become comfortable with your change and embrace the authentic you. If gender transition or DEI policies are not part of your company’s standard human resources protocols/handbook, we can work with them to develop inclusive language and practices that will enable all staff to succeed .
Design The Plan part 1
Every transition plan will be different; it must be!. There is only one you and we need to make you authentic and powerful at work. We develop and track four fundamental elements that will make your gender transition plan successful. Of course, not everyone will need to incorporate all elements into their individual plans.
Image, Expression and Designing the Self. Fortunately!!, you have a second chance to make a great first impression. Your image, style, and comportment - essentially your 'new personal brand' - will largely determine initial levels of acceptance and affirmation. Your physical confidence, communication skills and non-verbal (body) language; your etiquette and inter-personal skills should be remarkable on day one. Using a diverse tool-kit, and socio-cultural awareness we will guide and plan the presentation of your 'new self'.
Relationships and Allies. Establishing and maintaining personal and collegial connections is vital to your well-being. Relationship management requires foresight. Assume many relations with colleagues will be different during/after transition. Purposeful, carefully crafted messages and communications between your and your peers and supervisors are vital. We will chart your communication and outreach plans to Human Resources and People/Talent Managers and company administrators, in some cases Boards of Trustees and Overseers. We will help you re-brand your image and identity on social media platforms and professional association memberships.
Design The Plan part 2
Productivity. Remaining production is essential; you should not skip a beat as a transitioned employee. Openness and disclosure to clients, business partners and external stakeholders needs close attention. It may be necessary to craft several different kinds of messages to external audiences so they understand and embrace your situation .
As well, we support the workplace logistics of trans workers, including managing official name/gender document changes at the state and federal level (if applicable) and processing new demographic information for licensure credentials and professional certifications.
Happiness and Fulfillment. And of course!...we work with other support team members: family, counselors/therapists, medical professionals to track the timing of your workplace transition. We are a part of the 'grand coordination', bringing all parties together on your behalf to facilitate a seamless, untroubled transition. We can be with you on day one at the office and celebrate your moment with others, and certainly we remain an ally forever; always there to support your happiness and your professional endeavors.